Queens Park Rangers’ new signings ready for the Sky Bet Championship

28 May 2015

Alex Butcher

Massimo Luongo and Ben Gladwin are raring to go in the Sky Bet Championship after signing for Queens Park Rangers.

Luongo and Gladwin caught the eye of many during a fantastic 2014/15 campaign with Swindon Town, where the pair helped the Robins to a fourth-place finish and a place in the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Offs.

Swindon were brushed aside by Preston North End at Wembley in the Play-Off Final, therefore missing out on promotion to the Championship, but the midfield duo will get their chance in the second tier of English football after QPR head coach Chris Ramsey moved for their services.

Both players are ready for the challenge ahead, as the Hoops look to bounce back from relegation from the Premier League at the first attempt.

“The step up to the Championship is going to be a challenge, but I’ll always back myself”, Luongo told the club's official website.

“I sat down with the manager and the big thing for me was where he wants to go with the club. Also, how he wants me to be involved attracted me. He sold it to me really well.”

The 22-year-old, who has been capped 12 times by his country and was influential in the Socceroos' Asian Cup success earlier in the year, added: “I never want to rest on my laurels – I always want to push on.

“I’m very excited to now be a QPR player. I can’t wait to start pre-season and get my head down.”

His team-mate Gladwin's move to Loftus Road continues a meteoric rise for the 22-year-old, who was playing for non-league Marlow just 18 months ago, and he is looking forward to plying his trade in the Championship despite interest from further up the football ladder.

“I’m really pleased to be joining the club – and I’m really excited,” said the midfielder, who hit 11 goals in his first full season in professional football.

“There was interest from the Premier League but for me, personally, I think this move is a little more realistic at this stage of my career. Playing is what it’s all about.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to about QPR said it would be a good move for me. I can’t wait to get going here.”